Bag Making

The parts that make a bag a bag

The difference between a bag that slumps and one that stands is rarely the outer fabric — it is the hardware and the interlining. Interfacing and foam give the body, base feet keep the bottom off the ground, and good clasps and handles carry the weight without tearing out.

Match the hardware weight to the bag: a light cotton tote needs very little, while a shopper carrying books wants riveted handles and a reinforced base. Fit rivets and eyelets through all layers including the interfacing, and reinforce the anchor points with a patch on the inside before attaching anything that takes load.